December 11, 2019
Winter in Simcoe County can be harsh and keeping heating costs reasonable can become a challenge. In our latest blog, let’s take a look at some tips and tricks to stay warm while still keeping costs down.
Set the thermostat lower. Lowering the thermostat by even just a couple of degrees can help save you money right away. Many households will go even lower at bedtime and add more blankets to combat the chill. If you feel chilly, instead of raising the thermostat, put on a sweater and socks or slippers. You can also buy a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your temperatures for day and night. If you’re a renter, or a landlord, keep in mind that a landlord is responsible for providing heat to a residential dwelling at a minimum of 21 degrees Celsius between September 15 and June 1 of each year.
Use fans. Ceiling fans have two directions, one to draw air up and one to push air down. Using them to circulate the warm air will help eliminate cold spots. You can also use oscillating fans to move the air around.
Keep vents and heaters clear. Make sure your air registers aren’t covered by furniture or rugs and keep radiators clear and open. The heat will travel farther if it doesn’t have to go around obstacles.
Seal the leaks. The most common areas that heat loss occurs are around windows, doors, electrical sockets, baseboards and attics. Sealing any leaks can save you at least 10-20% on your heating bill. Seal the gaps with caulk or weather stripping. The major culprit for heat loss is your windows. You can buy a window covering kit at your local hardware or dollar store and cover the windows to keep any drafts out.
Close your curtains. Closing curtains and blinds at night can help insulate your home when temperatures are generally at their coldest. If you have any uncovered windows, hanging a blanket over the window at night will help.
Let the sun in. During the day, let the sunshine in. If you have your windows covered in plastic to keep drafts out, letting the sunshine in it can raise the temperature of a room by at least 2 degrees or more.
Check your filters. If you have forced air, check the filters on your furnace to make sure they are clean and at peak performance. The general rule for changing your furnace filter is every 3 months. If you have pets or smoke inside the house, you will need to check and change your furnace filters more often.
